Take Five With Tyler Hornby

Tyler started drumming at age ten, honed his artistry in high school big bands and experimental jazz combos, and has since blossomed into one of Canada's most innovative and sought-after young drummers.

Hornby has also become a gifted composer by expanding his musical tastes, studying the craft with Grammy Award-winning pianist Chip Stephens

Tyler is also the drummer for Sillan & Young. He has served as composer and musical director on a handful of live productions, and he has developed clinics and workshops in Canada, Germany, Italy, Poland, the United States, and Venezuela.

Hornby has performed at festivals, clubs and concerts in North America, South America and Europe, and has appeared on more than thirty recordings. His first solo album is a critically acclaimed exploration of post bop released in 2005, called Shadows of a Brighter Day. His newest record, A Road to Remember, is a testament to his continuing evolution as a musician, delving into the free-flowing textures of groove, swing and ECM jazz.

Instrument(s):

Drums.

Teachers and/or influences?

I have been influenced by many people including Paul Romaine, Tim McIntyre, John Riley, Chip Stephens.

I knew I wanted to be a musician when...

I wanted to be a musician after watching my father play guitar in bands and watching them rehearse in our basement, everyone was having so much fun!

Your sound and approach to music:

My approach to music is really based on what the melody and harmony are expressing, that plays a huge factor in determining how I approach a compositionthe collective is more important than the individual.

Your teaching approach:

My approach to teaching is looking at each student as an individual, addressing their weaknesses and moving forward from there. I tend to avoid super-imposing one formula over everyone. The goal is to learn everyday and try to improve each week.

Your dream band:

My dream band is anyone who is committed to the music first and foremostbut playing with Brad Mehldau